Liverpool have called on the Premier League to allocate a greater share of the
£1.4 billion overseas television rights deal to its most popular clubs.

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Screen grab: Liverpool's global appeal means they should get more money, according to Ian Ayre, the club's managing directorPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

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Focused: Liverpool want a greater share of TV revenues for the most popular clubsPhoto: REUTERS

By Chris Bascombe

6:15AM BST 12 Oct 2011

In a move which will provoke strong opposition from other Premier League members, Anfield chief executive Ian Ayre claims the top clubs are being short-changed by an ‘inbalanced’ deal.

He says the future success of the elite clubs is being threatened because the current set-up does not recognise major differentials in popularity in the foreign TV market.

This weekend’s clash between Liverpool and Manchester United will be one of the most watched sporting fixtures this season across 213 worldwide territories.

The dividends from such a high profile global fixture will benefit all English clubs rather than just the two involved.

The Premier League is 18 months into a three-year contract for international broadcasting rights, and although Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are the most supported teams in areas such as Asia, the overseas kitty is shared equally between all 20 Premier League members.